Claremont University Consortium Student Health Service Immunizations

Hepatitis B is recommended not only for travel but for all entering college students at The Claremont Colleges. Sexually active persons are at highest risk for this serious liver disease. This immunization has a series of 3 shots spread over 6 months. The cost is $45.00 per shot and is highly recommended by the Student Health Service.

Hepatitis A vaccine is an important immunization to have for traveling. It is the most common disease among travelers that can be prevented by vaccination. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease that can cause jaundice, pain, weakness, nausea and vomiting. It can put you in bed-or even the hospital-sometimes for months. This immunization has a series of 2 shots. The cost is $45.00 per shot.

Meningitis: Certain college students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. In fact, freshmen living in dorms are found to have a six-fold increased risk for the disease. A U.S. health advisory panel recommends that college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms, learn more about meningitis and vaccination.

• What is meningococcal meningitis? Meningitis is rare. But when it strikes, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can lead to swelling of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.

• How is it spread? Meningococcal meningitis is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes and drinking glasses.

• What are the symptoms? Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.

• Who is at risk? Certain college students, particularly freshmen who live in dormitories or residence halls, have been found to have an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. Other undergraduates can also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.

• Can meningitis be prevented? Yes. A safe and effective vaccine (Menactra) is available to protect against four of the five most common strains of the disease. The vaccine provides protection for approximately ten years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals.

The American College Health Association (ACHA) recently issued a statement recommending that college students consider receiving the immunization. The vaccine is currently available at the Student Health Service for $100.00. If you still have questions, you can contact the Student Health Service or check out the ACHA web site: http://www.acha.org/projects_programs/men.cfm

Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (Tdap): Most college students have completed a primary series against these childhood diseases. Boosters for diphtheria and tetanus are needed every 10 years to maintain protection. A new booster for pertussis was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The cost for a booster for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus is $45.00.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Outbreaks of measles still occur sometimes on college campuses. Women of childbearing age should be sure they are immunized. Two doses of the MMR vaccine will make sure you are immune to these diseases. The cost is $50.00 at Student Health Service. This immunization is required for entrance by The Claremont Colleges.

TB Screening: All Claremont Colleges students need to answer a TB screening questionnaire at the time of their entrance physical examination. Students felt to be at high risk of tuberculosis will require a TB skin test (PPD) and, if the skin test is positive, a chest x-ray. The skin test costs $7.00. Chest x-ray, if needed, costs $65.

Typhoid: The typhoid vaccine provides active immunity against the bacteria that causes typhoid fever. You should be vaccinated if you are in close contact with a person who has typhoid fever, are traveling to an area where typhoid fever is common, or work in a lab where you could come in contact with salmonella typhi. The vaccination costs $60.00 at the Student Health Service and is available in injectable or oral forms.

Polio: An inactivated Polio Vaccine is offered for travel. 1 shot for $35.00

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Certain countries require an official International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination before you can enter. We not only can tell you which countries require it but are also authorized to give it. The cost is $75.00.

HPV Vaccine (Gardasil):  Gardasil is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to HPV (human papilloma virus). This vaccine is recommended for females 9-26 years of age. It is given in a series of three injections over a six month period. Gardasil is now available at Student Health Service at $150 per injection.  Schedule an appointment to see a healthcare provider at Student Health Service to discuss and begin your Gardasil vaccine.

Related Web Sites:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The Hepatitis Information Network (Hepnet)

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